Top 16 finish for Hutchison

10th June 2012

10th June 2012

All eyes were on women’s sabre and epee during this weekend’s international action.

Women’s Sabre World Cup – Ghent
The only European action this weekend was in Ghent at the women’s sabre World Cup. An entry of 105 fencers started including four from Great Britain. Hutchison, Kempe, Nicoll and Williams progressed through the poule stages with Hutchsion earning herself a bye to the round of 64. In the preliminary knockout fights Mirzmann (GER) beat Kempe 15-13, Munz (GER) defeated Nicoll 15-14 but Williams overcame Palmedo (USA) 15-14. In the round of 64 Williams was beaten 15-13 by Kedziora (POL) whilst Hutchison progressed 15-13 against Nakayama (JPN). She then faced world number 9 Mikina (AZE) who she beat impressively 15-13. Next up, in the round of 16, was Wozniak (USA), ranked 8th in the World, and the American came through 15-6.

The event was won by Bianco (ITA) who beat Vecchi (ITA) 15-12. The bronze medals went to Wieckowska (POL) and Zagunis (USA).

In the team event Great Britain fielded Hutchison, Kempe and Nicoll who beat Hong Kong 45-40 in the round of 16. They faced Ukraine in the round of 8 and were beaten 45-34 by the World number two team. In the placing matches Great Britain drew France but had to pull out due to an injury meaning they finished 8th.

The event was won by the USA who beat Russia 45-30. The bronze medal went to Ukraine who beat Italy 45-39.

Women’s Epee Grand Prix – Nanjing
Only Corinna Lawrence headed to China for the Grand Prix event in Nanjing. With most of the European fencers chosing not to attend there was a field of just 44. This meant that Lawrence had an automatic bye to the round of 32 where she met Zhong (CHN). She lost 15-11. The event was won by Luo (CHN) who beat Li (CHN) narrowly 15-14 to take the gold medal. The bronze medals went to Nakano (JPN) and Sun (CHN).

GB Individual placings: Lawrence 22nd.

Next up on the international circuit is the European Championships in Legnano, Italy.